10 Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in Kentucky
By Penny Fox

Out of town visitors and locals alike love the taste of home-cooking and Kentucky has a wealth of great mom and pop spots that feature the ultimate in country comfort food. Independently owned and family operated, these eateries boast classic country food in a friendly casual atmosphere.

Proof on Main, Louisville, KY

There’s nothing better than finding a great little diner with down home Southern comfort food. Unless it’s a little diner that features local artists and their amazing art on the walls. That’s what you’ll get a Proof on Main in downtown Louisville. In additional to deliciously funky menu items like the charred octopus or the chicken liver pate, they have a nice selection of vegan and vegetarian food.

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Laha’s Red Castle, Hodgenville, KY

Hodgenville is home to a local favorite burger joint, Laha’s Red Castle Hamburgers. This family owned gem has modest yet classic American atmosphere. Their burgers, onion rings, fries, chili dogs, and other fare do not disappoint; once you try something off the menu you’ll realize what locals and visitors are buzzing about it. Be prepared for a crowd, this place is known to bring a large crowd.

Fort Wright Family Restaurant, Fort Wright, KY

Fort Wright Family Restaurant is a great little mom and pop diner with the look, feel, taste, and smell of home. The atmosphere is laid back, so anytime you’re craving delicious downhome cooking at great prices, this is the place to visit. You’ll be drooling just thinking about their mound of mashed potatoes holding a pool of gravy. Check out the corned beef and Swiss cheese omelet for a special treat.

Pop’s Southern Style BBQ, Morehead, KY

It’s not often that you hear someone call sandwiches addicting, but that’s what folks say about the burgers from Pop’s Southern Style BBQ. Known for large portions and great prices, Pop’s also has delicious hand-breaded catfish and the best beef brisket east of the Mississippi. If you have room for dessert, their hand-spun milkshakes are worth trying. Keep in mind that they are seasonal, so make sure to check their Facebook page to see if they are open before heading over for a hearty meal!

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Cookies Diner, Florence, KY

Maybe you’ll be breaking your diet eating the fluffy mashed potatoes and perfectly made gravy and biscuits, but you’ll go home happy and content when you eat at Cookies Diner in Florence. This family-owned diner is the place to go when you want good food the way Grandma made it. The friendly service, quaint atmosphere, and delicious menu have people infatuated with this diner. Keep in mind that this is a cash only diner!

Windy Corner Market, Lexington, KY

Right in the middle of horse country, Windy Corner Market in Lexington offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with locally-sourced ingredients from around the Bluegrass State. This little mom and pop diner has the look and feel of an old-time country store, complete with reclaimed wood and bead board on the walls and a screened-in porch in the back. They also have handmade ice cream and freshly baked items that you can take home, and if you really like the food, you can have them cater your next event.

The Whistle Stop, Glendale, KY

With home-cooked food like fried green tomatoes, catfish, and country ham, it doesn’t get more Southern country than this. Eating at The Whistle Stop in Glendale is like going home for dinner. What started out as a simple mom and pop sandwich shop more 40 years ago evolved into one of the best restaurants in this part of Kentucky. You’ll find the same great food and excellent service, though, because that’s something that won’t be compromised. Make sure to save room for one of their famous award-winning meringue pies.

Eastgate Family Restaurant, Henderson, KY

Eastgate Family Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the simplicity of great homecooked food. It might be the barbecue beef and turnip greens or fried potatoes and white beans, but whatever you order, you can count on it being made with love. Huge portions, great atmosphere, and descent prices await you at this family diner in Henderson.

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Home Café & Marketplace, Bowling Green, KY,

You wouldn’t think of a deli being a great place to take the family for dinner, but you haven’t eaten at Home Café & Marketplace yet. Bowling Green is the location of this friendly little mom and pop deli/diner that has classic and creative takes on sandwiches, salad, pizza, and more. Proud to offer Kentucky products in everything they make, this is just about the best food outside of your mom’s kitchen.

Christi’s Cafe, Valley Station, KY

Christi’s Cafe is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a great meal at a great price. It’ll be hard to miss the white building with the pink ad black awning. Their retro and quaint appearance on the outside certainly matches the atmosphere on the inside, the friendly staff will give you major mid-century vibes. It’s fun to look at the photos on the wall of familiar faces from the 1950s while you’re waiting for your food. Prices won’t leave your wallet empty either. Definitely worth driving to experience.